Joseph Dolcemaschio, Verrazzano Class of 2021, completed major in History
Wow! What a journey it has been completing my Capstone project during a global medical pandemic. Writing my Capstone in a subject that was different from my major was a very rewarding and simultaneously a challenging experience. I majored in History and I knew I wanted to incorporate a historical element to my thesis even if the components of my Capstone did not involve history entirely. After thinking about topics, I decided I wanted to research the Fresh Kills Landfill, located in the western part of Staten Island, New York. In other words, I wanted my Capstone project to touch on a topic that was close to home.
Once the COVID-19 pandemic hit, my thesis was thrown a curveball. I would be lying if I said I was not a little worried about how I was going to complete the assignment before my graduation. What I originally intended to do had to be modified. However, after coping and asking for help, I did not let the global medical pandemic stop me from pursuing something I worked months on end to accomplish with the assistance of my thesis advisor.
One of my favorite parts about writing my Capstone was conducting my research. I conducted surveys from Surveymonkey.com and polled individuals from various backgrounds, educational standings, age groups, socioeconomic statuses, and careers. Being able to connect the journal articles I read with the research I collected was very interesting and enlightening on a topic I had little to no knowledge about at one point.
Since I am an aspiring HR manager, this Capstone project has catapulted me in the right direction in regards to working in the research enterprise. Even though completing a lengthy Capstone paper and writing another thesis for my History 401: Seminar in Advanced Historical Study was challenging, it was worth being challenged. Being able to work with and learn from my faculty advisor, Professor William Ellery Samuels is something that I know will last a lifetime.
Overall, completing this Capstone in a world that has been momentarily flipped upside down shows how I am capable of doing anything as long as I stay on my purpose. I can overcome any obstacles that affect me in my life or at the university level. I hope to continue to build on my research skills and incorporate all that I have learned when I pursue a graduate degree in Liberal Studies and then later become a full-time HR manager.
As my undergraduate college experience comes to an end, writing my Capstone and learning about environmental blights is something I will not soon forget. Never forget the people that helped you along the way as well. Both in times of darkness and light, the relationships you have with people matter a lot. Please remember that. The Verrazzano School experience at the College of Staten Island was phenomenal.
